Reviewed by Dee Ryz
Macbeth, or The Scottish Play, is one of Shakespeare’s most revered and loved tragedies – a tale of witchcraft, murder and political ambition.
The National Theatre’s refreshing take on Macbeth, directed by Rufus Norris and designed by Rae Smith, sees the play catapulted into the future, taking place in the dystopian aftermath of a harsh civil war. This adaption saw the opening scene of three witches (Elizabeth Chan, Hauk Pattison and Evelyn Roberts) skilfully climbing ‘trees’ on stage, while plotting a meeting with Macbeth (Michael Nardone). The witches engineer the meeting to take place while Macbeth is out in the wild with Banquo (Patrick Robinson) where they tell him 3 predications of his future. Once the witches disappear, Macbeth, all the while incredibly sceptical, receives word that he is to be Thane of Cawdor, which is one of the predictions – his cynicism quickly disappears, and he begins to believe he could, one day, be king.
Upon telling his wife, Lady Macbeth (Kirsty Besterman), she encourages him to pursue the King’s status, leading him on a journey of deception and murder along which she accompanies him. Ultimately, the guilt of their crimes leads to the suicide of Lady Macbeth, and the downfall of Macbeth himself – the moral of the story being that power corrupts.
The cast are absolutely amazing and very convincing within their parts. The stage scenery is used well throughout the play, from the black half-dead trees that the witches clamber, to the slightly vertical prop which is used as a hill, roof and various other ways throughout, all contribute to the dark, dystopian feeling throughout the play, which transports the audience to the bleak future along with the cast.
Truly one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, and with a fantastic ensemble, I cannot recommend attending enough.
Glasgow’s Theatre Royal is centrally located, close to the Cowcaddens underground stop, bus links, the M8 and a short walk from Queen Street Station. Situated in the heart of the city, there are various bars and restaurants nearby, catering for all tastes, meaning you can easily make a night out of it.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £11.90 to £40.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Macbeth is at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow from 19-23 February 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow or call the box office on 0844 871 7647.
Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA | 0844 871 7647
